Hi everyone and query about weekly 5fu chemo

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Hi everyone, I am new to this forum.

I was diagnosed in May 2022 and have had an operation to remove part of my bowel. I’m now having chemotherapy.

I started with Folfox but have struggled with it so now moving to weekly 5fu bolus, plus fluorocil. I understand it is a 30 minute infusion once a week. My oncologist hopes I will be more able to cope with this treatment.

I was wondering what other people’s experience of this type of treatment is? I know everyone is different.

I’m really hoping that I won’t need steroids. I have not enjoyed the steroids at all! Have had terrible anxiety, particularly coming off them. Have others needed steroids with this treatment? I do suffer quite badly with nausea.

many thanks in advance x

Gemmary over 2 years ago

Hi, Ali123, I had 30 weeks of 5FU with the folinic acid. It was by IV weekly, and the theory is that it is a lower dose over a long time. Having said that they did reduce it twice. I did work throughout with adjustments but it is cumulative. Happy to answer any questions you may have, it seems an uncommon regime. Just re-read your post, I had no steroids! Nausea minor.

Ali123 over 2 years ago in reply to Gemmary

Hi Gemmary

Thanks for your response. You’re right that it seems to be an uncommon regime - I haven’t found many other people on it. Although I understand it’s the chemo they gave people in the 80’s before the new combination treatments were available.

That’s encouraging that you didn’t need steroids.
I have my first session on the new regime tomorrow - hoping it’s not too bad!

Thanks x

Gemmary over 2 years ago in reply to Ali123

All the best for tomorrow! First one is mentally tricky, then it gets easier.